A 12-year-old boy is recovering in hospital after a scrambling bike tragedy at 3.30pm on Sunday which left a 25-year-old man dead.

The accident happened at The Rooks slag heaps off Vista Road, Newton-le-Willows, which is a popular place with motorbike scramblers.

The dead man, who has been named as Glynn Swift of Davies Avenue, Newton-le-Willows, and the injured boy were both driving motorbikes which appear to have collided head on. One of the bikes exploded on impact and Mr Swift died at the scene.

The schoolboy, whose name has not been released, was taken to Whiston Hospital suffering from a fractured skull, leg injuries and burns. He was later transferred to the intensive care unit at Alder Hey Hospital, where he is recovering.

Police are investigating the incident and some residents who live near the slag heap have appealed to the council to restrict access to the land owned by British Coal.

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